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Super Eagles transfer window recap – Which Nigerians will thrive at new clubs or who might struggle?

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Several Super Eagles stars held it down in Europe last season, and it is no surprise several of them have earned moves to new clubs this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

These players are in different stages of their careers. While some of them are entering their peak, some others are just starting, while the rest are winding down after years of active football action.

Soccernet.ng predicts some of the players that might struggle in their new clubs, and the others that’ll put up excellent performances.

Super Eagles during the Men FIFA World Cup qualifiers match between Rwanda and Nigeria at Amahoro Stadium on March 21, 2025, in Rwanda [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Wilfred Ndidi

After almost eight years at the King Power Stadium with Leicester City, winning the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield, the 28-year-old midfielder joined Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş JK on a three-year deal.

Ole Gunnaar Solksjaer’s side were 4th in the Turkish Super Lig last season, behind Samsunspor, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, but they were miles off pace.

The Whites and Blacks are expected to pick up the pace this season after securing the services of Felix Uduokhai, Tammy Abraham, Joao Mario, alongside Ndidi.

Galatasaray are still close favourites to win the league, but Ndidi’s side will provide tougher competition this season than they did in the last campaign, and with the Nigerian as a mainstay in midfield, there’ll be positive results on the pitch.

Wilfried Ndidi, Igoh Ogbu and Christophere Bonsu Baah during the Unity Cup London 2025 match between Ghana and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England
Wilfried Ndidi, Igoh Ogbu and Christophere Bonsu Baah during the Unity Cup London 2025 match between Ghana and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxToyinxOshodii].

Paul Onuachu

The lanky 31-year-old tore up the Turkish Super Lig in his initial loan spell from Southampton, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 games.

After being forced to spend last season with the Saints, Onuachu has sealed a permanent return to Trabzonspor, penning a three-year deal.

His successful history precedes him, and he’s already gotten off to a good start, scoring on his second debut against Kocaelispor.

 Paul Onuachu of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town and Southampton at Portman Road, Ipswich
Paul Onuachu of Southampton celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town and Southampton at Portman Road, Ipswich, UK. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Victor Osimhen

Nigeria’s most expensive export sealed a permanent move to Istanbul, putting an end to his Napoli spell in Italy.

Osimhen won the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot award last season, and he’ll be gunning for nothing less this term.

Galatasaray have already shored up in attack, signing Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich, while Mauro Icardi’s return from a cruciate ligament injury is a boost for Okan Buruk’s side, and success is almost certain.

Galatasaray players celebrated with the championship trophy in their home stadium and in front of their fans after the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Basaksehir FK at Rams Park Stadium. Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray players celebrated with the championship trophy in their home stadium and in front of their fans after the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Basaksehir FK at Rams Park Stadium. Victor Osimhen. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Moses Simon

The pacy Super Eagles winger penned a three-year deal with newly promoted French outfit Paris FC, joining after six years with FC Nantes.

Individually, it isn’t far-fetched for the winger to put up solid performances, but newly promoted sides struggle in the French top flight.

Chuba Akpom

The one-cap Super Eagles star has a point to prove to himself, and for the salvation of his career. The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in 68 games for Ajax.

After the Dutch side made it clear he’s no longer a part of their plans, Akpom joined Lille but struggled to break into the side.

He’s joined EFL Championship side Ipswich Town on a season-long loan, and with a point to prove, he’ll be one to watch.

Chuba Akpom scores his penalty during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and Stade de Reims
Chuba Akpom scores his penalty during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and Stade de Reims. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxDantexBadano].

Bright Osayi-Samuel

After four years with Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, Osayi returned to England to join Birmingham City despite interest from top sides.

The full-back has featured in the two league games for the Blues this term, and being a regular for the Super Eagles, he’ll be an interesting player to keep an eye on.

The Super Eagles star held down the starting right-back position at Fenerbahce for years, and his battle for minutes with Ethan Laird will be an interesting watch this campaign.

Samuel Osayi Bright and Ademola Lookman during the Afcon 2023 match between Nigeria and Cameroon
Samuel Osayi Bright and Ademola Lookman during the Afcon 2023 match between Nigeria and Cameroon at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on January 27, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. [Photo Credit/ IMAGO].

Benjamin Fredrick

The Brentford defender caught the eye of several Nigerians during the 2025 Unity Cup tournament in May. He recently left the English Premier League side to join Belgian side FC Denver.

Although Denver are one of the smallest teams in the league, which might equate to defensive instability, Frederick’s goal is to secure a substantial amount of gametime to break into the Bees’ first team which takes pressure off and allows him to play with more freedom.

The 20-year-old is already putting in the work, starting three of the club’s four league games in the Belgian Pro League.

Players who might struggle

Semi Ajayi

The 31-year-old penned a two-year deal with Hull City last month. While his ability has never been in question, Ajayi’s injury problems might see his transfer to the Championship side hit a brick wall.

He’s suffered three hamstring injuries in the past nine months, playing just four games in that time. Considering Hull City struggled to stay in the EFL Championship last term, signing Ajayi is beginning to look like a huge gamble.

Leon Balogun

The 37-year-old joined Cyprian side Apriol Limassol. After suffering multiple injuries with Rangers last season due to his workload at an age where he can’t play as many games.

Balogun no longer plays football at a level where he’s expected to drop top performances every week, but if that’s an expectation for the Cyprian side, they’ll be disappointed, although he’s still a very good defender on his day.

Leon Balogun warms up during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Leon Balogun warms up during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Torunarigha returned to the Bundesliga to join newly promoted side Hamburger SV. Although he previously had a decent time in the German top-flight with Hertha Berlin, Hamburg might struggle defensively this season, and that wouldn’t help his cause as he wants to fight for a place in the Nigerian National team.

Henry Chukwuemeka Onyekuru

The 28-year-old has played just 167 minutes of football in 2025. Onyekuru has always been known as the player with so much potential, but he’s flattered to deceive when the opportunity comes up.

He recently joined Turkish side Gençlerbirliği on a free transfer, and while it’s a fresh start for the former Everton man, not much is expected in terms of output.